In a celebration of academic excellence, Chagrin Falls High School inducted 23 students from the Class of 2025 into the prestigious Cum Laude Society during a ceremony held on April 16...
Cum Laude Society
In a celebration of academic excellence, Chagrin Falls High School inducted 23 students from the Class of 2025 into the prestigious Cum Laude Society during a ceremony held on April 16.
The event featured 2010 Chagrin Falls alumnus Chris Trinetti as the keynote speaker. Trinetti, who has built a remarkable career at the intersection of capital, policy, and economic development, shared insights from his journey since graduating.
Principal Amanda Rassi welcomed attendees to the ceremony, while Cum Laude Society Advisor Lisa Salyers provided context about the organization’s history and motto. Following the keynote address, Rassi formally introduced and inducted the 23 honorees.
The 2025 inductees represent approximately the top 20 percent of their graduating class, continuing the tradition of academic excellence at Chagrin Falls. The newly inducted members include Fraya Brattebo, Nathaniel Bruce, Addilyn Brudno, Abigail Coy, Claire Guddy, Audrey Holmes, Molly Johnson, Delaney Joyce, Benjamin Lewis, Cameron Mateyo, Renner Matta, Sean McKee, Grace Mossad, Nathan Nguyen, Brix Niethammer, Lilla O’Brien, Bella Radomsky, Eire Ratcliffe, Gracie Ryan, Mia Sluder, William Stinson, Emma Thatcher and Lauren Vasko.
Trinetti’s presence at the ceremony gave students a powerful example of post-graduation success. Chris shared “60 Things He’s Learned Since High School” in a thoughtful and engaging way. His stories were both entertaining and incredibly meaningful, offering students practical life lessons mixed with humor and honesty. It was a memorable talk that left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
“Having alumni like Chris return to inspire our current students creates a meaningful connection between past and present at Chagrin Falls,” said Principal Rassi. “His accomplishments demonstrate the heights our graduates can reach when they combine their education with passion and purpose.”
The Cum Laude Society, founded in 1906, is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools. Modeled after Phi Beta Kappa, the undergraduate collegiate honor society, Cum Laude recognizes academic excellence and superior scholarship among graduating high school students.
CFIS Sock Sale
Students from Chagrin Falls Intermediate School (CFIS) and the PAWS Club (People Always Willing to Serve) presented a check to Providence House representatives on April 15 after a successful fundraising campaign that exceeded expectations. Their annual sock sale sold out completely and raised valuable funds for the local charity.
“We’re incredibly proud of our students for organizing this initiative from start to finish,” said Principal Curtis Howell during the check presentation ceremony. “This demonstrates the power of our young people to make a real difference in our community.”
Providence House representatives shared their mission with PAWS club members during the special after-school meeting, explaining how the donation will directly support local families in need. Students asked thoughtful questions and expressed interest in continuing the partnership.
The successful fundraiser was made possible through community collaboration, particularly with local business partner Barry Jacobson from KMK. Jacobson worked closely with Caroline Brosnan and Annie Schluep, co-coordinators of the sale, to produce custom socks at a fair price while providing guidance throughout the store creation and sales process.
“Mr. Jacobson was instrumental to our success,” said Annie Schleup, guidance counselor at CFIS. Caroline Brosnan and Amy Acton, PAWS Service Club advisors added, “His expertise and willingness to work with our student-led initiative taught our students valuable lessons about business partnerships and professional collaboration.”
“Seeing the direct impact of our fundraising efforts makes all the hard work worthwhile,” concluded Brosnan and Schleup. “We’re grateful to everyone who supported the sale and helped us exceed our goals.”
